Dennis Rodman - Dennis Rodman Reunited With Father After 42 Years

Philander spoke about the last time he held his son's hand, in December 1969, saying "it was great." He added "I've been trying to meet him for years. And then last night, boom, I met him. I was really, really happy and very surprised. I really, really felt good. It's the beginning of something new." He only got to spend a few minutes with Rodman, apparently, as he was busy signing autographs. He reportedly wanted time to explain to his son that he hadn't abandoned him in the United States all those years ago, but said that Rodman's schedule only allowed time for handshakes.

Six years ago, Philander explained, Dennis did not even want to talk about his father but after Tuesday's press conference, he was encouraged to try again, after Rodman was asked about meting his father. "I don't hate the guy that brought me into this world," Dennis Rodman told those gathered at the conference. "The fact is, if I saw him, I'll just tell him, 'You know, you're a friend of mine."